Is Glass Packaging Less Sustainable Than Plastic?

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst has challenged common perceptions about the sustainability of different packaging materials for single-serve orange juice containers. The study found that while many consumers view glass as the most sustainable option, this belief does not align with the environmental realities of packaging lifecycle impacts.

The study, led by Nomzamo Dlamini, a Ph.D. candidate in food science and former Fulbright scholar from the University of Pretoria, revealed that glass is one of the least sustainable packaging materials when considering the full lifecycle, including production and recycling processes. Despite this, glass was the preferred choice among U.S. consumers surveyed, who ranked it highest in terms of perceived sustainability, followed by carton, aluminum, and plastic.

Dlamini expressed surprise at the findings, noting that the energy required to produce and recycle glass is significantly higher than that for plastic. The research highlighted that plastic, despite its controversial reputation, has a lower overall environmental impact than glass. This is due to its lighter weight, which reduces transportation energy, and the less energy-intensive processes used in its production and recycling.

The study employed conjoint analysis to explore consumer motivations behind packaging choices. It revealed that while many consumers express a preference for sustainable packaging, their ultimate purchasing decisions are often driven by price. The ideal product, as determined by the survey of 847 adults, was a 12-ounce orange juice priced at $1.10, packaged in glass, locally produced, and labeled as 100% recyclable.

The findings underscore the need for the food industry to balance sustainability with affordability to encourage broader adoption of environmentally friendly packaging. However, the study also emphasizes that the most effective way consumers can contribute to sustainability is by reducing food waste, which has a more significant environmental impact than packaging choices alone.